Optimization of the fabrication process for medium density fiberboard (MDF)-based biomimetic SiC

The present work deals with improving the fabrication route for biomorphic SiC based upon artificial cellulosic precursors and, more specifically, upon medium density fiberboards (MDF), which are ideally suited for automation of the machining process. To that end, both the pyrolysis and the infiltration procedures were improved upon, by means of detailed studies of the main parameters, such as temperature, heat ramp at pyrolysis and amount of silicon used for infiltration. Microstructural characterization by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental spectrometric chemical analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis and confocal microscopy, as well as mechanical compressive tests at room temperature, were carried out to better analyze the results and to obtain a preliminary evaluation of the properties of the new material.